The Youth for Action Campaign (YAC) has begun strengthening its internal governance structures as it evaluates progress made on several youth-focused interventions carried out in recent months.
The organisation held a capacity-building session for its board members in Mzuzu, aimed at clarifying leadership roles and improving operational efficiency.
Jackson Caesar Msiska
During the training, YAC Executive Director Jackson Caesar Msiska stressed the importance of board members understanding the organisation’s mission and the responsibilities tied to their positions.
Msiska noted that one of YAC’s key recent activities involved promoting youth participation in elections through civic education and election monitoring.
He explained that the project was designed to encourage young people to engage meaningfully in democratic processes and exercise their right to vote responsibly.
Board chairperson Bishop Steven Chisale of the Holy Ghost Pentecostal Church urged financial institutions to widen access to loans for young people.
Chisale appealed to the youth to organise themselves better and present well-developed proposals that can attract financial support and foster entrepreneurship.
He emphasised that meaningful economic empowerment begins with youth being proactive and prepared to seize available opportunities.
Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V has urged young Malawians to embrace perseverance and determination as keys to success in life.
Speaking at the grand opening of the Apple Guy Malawi shop at Gateway Mall on Saturday, Gomani highlighted the example set by the shop’s proprietor.
The traditional leader said young people should draw inspiration from Romulus Chikafutwa, a young entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success despite starting small.
Gomani
“Many youths can succeed if they face hardships with courage and determination,” Gomani said, emphasizing the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges.
Chikafutwa, Managing Director of Apple Guy Malawi, shared his journey, revealing that he began by selling phones from his car before opening his first shop in Blantyre.
The new Lilongwe branch marks his second outlet, and he said the experience proves that hard work and consistency pay off.
“Everything is possible. I started small and I urge youths to start no matter how modestly,” Chikafutwa told the gathering.
Apple Guy Malawi specializes in Apple gadgets, offering a range of smartphones, laptops, and accessories to customers across the country.
The launch event drew business enthusiasts and young people eager to learn from Chikafutwa’s journey.
Gomani concluded by encouraging youths to remain focused on their goals, saying perseverance is the foundation of achievement.
For many young entrepreneurs in Malawi, stories like Chikafutwa’s offer hope that success is attainable with vision and commitment.
The opening of the Lilongwe shop is expected to boost access to Apple products in the central region while inspiring young Malawians to pursue their business dreams.
The Malawi Movement for Unity and Economic Change has turned the spotlight on the emotional and psychological toll facing families back home, saying the mistreatment of Malawians in South Africa has created fear, anxiety and uncertainty across the country.
In a statement endorsed by Chipulumutso Phiri, the movement said countless families in Malawi are living in constant worry as their relatives in South Africa continue to face escalating violence and intimidation.
They argued that the attacks, which often target even those with legal work permits, have left many Malawians feeling helpless and abandoned by both governments.
The movement said what pains many families is the irony that South Africa, a nation once supported by Malawi and other African countries during its apartheid struggle, is now failing to protect African migrant communities on its soil.
They added that South Africa’s bold stance on global justice issues, such as taking Israel to the ICJ over Gaza, stands in sharp contrast to its silence on the suffering of fellow Africans living within its borders.
According to the movement, the crisis has exposed gaps in regional cooperation and raised questions about whether SADC mechanisms are truly effective in protecting citizens across member states.
They appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately open clear communication channels for families seeking information about their loved ones, saying many households are desperate for updates and guidance.
The movement also demanded that Malawi and South Africa establish a rapid-response framework to ensure that migrants are shielded from mob attacks and unlawful harassment.
They expressed frustration that even documented, hardworking Malawians are being victimized, saying lawlessness should never be allowed to replace official immigration systems.
The statement emphasized that beyond diplomatic engagements, there must be real action to restore dignity and safety to Malawians working abroad, as their remittances support thousands of families back home.
It concluded with a call for government reassurance, stressing that during moments like these, Malawians in South Africa and their families at home need visible, timely and compassionate support from their leaders.
Vice President Justice Dr Jane Ansah SC formally inaugurated the 2025 MACODA Flag Week in Lilongwe, emphasising that the occasion represents more than ceremonial formalities but a significant step towards creating an inclusive society.
She welcomed all attendees, noting that the event provides an opportunity for government, civil society, and development partners to advance practical measures for persons with disabilities.
Ansah
Highlighting this year’s theme, which focuses on championing disability rights through active reporting and decisive action, Dr Ansah stressed the need to move beyond rhetoric and implement initiatives that produce tangible outcomes.
The Vice President underscored that Malawi’s development agenda must include every citizen, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or disability, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of national growth.
She lauded recent legislative and policy milestones, including the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 and the adoption of the National Disability Policy, describing these frameworks as a foundation for meaningful inclusion.
However, Dr Ansah cautioned that real progress depends on diligent execution and effective enforcement to translate policies into measurable improvements for persons with disabilities.
She directed local councils to ensure that public funding, including the five billion kwacha Constituency Development Fund and allocations for youth and women’s empowerment, directly supports people with disabilities.
The Vice President emphasised that disabled citizens must be considered as primary beneficiaries, rather than receiving assistance as an afterthought in development programmes.
Turning to education, she stressed that free secondary education must benefit learners with disabilities, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to access and remain in school.
Dr Ansah also highlighted the Farm Input Subsidy Programme, which is set to support approximately 1.1 million households, including those with members living with disabilities, urging authorities to ensure full inclusion of eligible beneficiaries.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she stressed that protecting the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities is essential for national development and the Malawi 2063 vision.
She called for enhanced investment in MACODA initiatives, specifically citing the Bangwe Weaving Factory, urging ministries and agencies to support the enterprise to sustain livelihoods and generate revenue for persons with disabilities.
Dr Ansah noted that accessible public infrastructure is vital, warning that laws and policies alone are insufficient if public spaces continue to present barriers.
She urged the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, alongside the National Construction Industry Council, to prioritise accessibility in all public facilities.
Concluding her address, Dr Ansah thanked attendees and officially declared the 2025 MACODA Flag Week open, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring that Malawi’s persons with disabilities are actively included in the nation’s development journey.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has committed K11.2 million to the Senior Golfers Society of Malawi to support its 2025 Golf Tournament and Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for this weekend.
From the total amount, K5.2 million is cash, while K6 million has been spent on golf shirts for members to wear during the tournament.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Friday, NBM plc Pension Administration Limited (PAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), William Mabulekesi, stressed the Bank’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior golfers to Malawi’s development.
“These senior golfers have given so much to our country through their leadership, expertise, and mentorship. Many have guided individuals who now hold prominent positions in both the public and private sectors. Others were captains of industry and continue to mentor even in retirement. It is only fitting that we honour their legacy by supporting their activities.”
“We believe that giving back to the community also means supporting activities that promote wellness and engagement. Sports are an essential part of life. They allow individuals to relax, recharge, and maintain their health. We are proud to support golf as we already support women’s football, including the Scorchers team,” said Mabulekesi.
Senior Golfers Society Chairperson Eric Chinkanda expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support, noting the impact on both the association and its members.
“This year, NBM plc has stepped in, allowing us to host what we now proudly call the National Bank Senior Golfers Closed AGM Tournament. Their support ensures that our members can come together, celebrate achievements, share experiences, and plan for the year ahead. We hope this partnership will continue for many years,” said Chinkanda.
According to Chinkanda, the Society, which has membership from across the country, aims to foster networking, mentorship, and healthy engagement among retirees while exploring partnerships within the SADC region to exchange knowledge and best practices.
This year’s support from NBM plc marks the first corporate sponsorship the Society has received in three years.
